Sarri opts to rest Morata

Maurizio Sarri has confirmed that Alvaro Morata has not travelled with the rest of the Chelsea squad to Belarus for Thursday's Europa League clash with BATE Borisov.

The 26-year-old striker made a poor start to the season but has been in better form recently and his brace in Sunday's 3-1 victory against Crystal Palace left him with five goals in his last seven appearances.

Eden Hazard is available for the Group L fixture even though the Belgian has been struggling with a back problem recently.

Asked about Morata's omission, Sarri replied: "He has played for three matches in a row, so I thought it was better to leave him to rest at Cobham and have some good training. The only problem is Cesc [Fabregas]. He had a fever.

"I think it is better for Morata to stay fit with two or three training sessions than only with matches. It is normal.

"Sometimes it is better to rest than always play. If they only play they will lose that physical quality."

Oliver Giroud is available again after recovering from a leg injury and could replace Morata in Chelsea's starting line-up.

Giroud is 13/10 to score at any time in a match Chelsea are 11/2 to win 2-0.